Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004

While it carries the same title as the console versions, Tiger Woods PGA Touron PC really has never been the same. Last year it featured a focus on the PGA mode, which the consoles lacked. Likewise, the gameplay mechanics have always differed. But this year its similarity to the console version is as close as it has ever been. It has many of the same features, the same courses and players. However, the presentation and controls make it feel like a completely different game.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 on PC is designed for the golf crowd that wants to feel the same way they do on fairways in real life; and, if you play like any of the IGN editors, this could be defined as frustrated and horrified. Of course, this gives you a great reason to seek out Tiger Woods 2004, where you have a much better shot at displaying any skill.

The Facts

Return of the mouse-controlled TrueSwing technology -- three-click is available, but not default

Create yourself with the detailed Game Face mode

Totally revamped World Tour mode sends you around the globe to compete for big earnings

Tournament Mode: a series of multi-round competitions against the PGA pros

Now includes a full-fledged Pro Shop with over a thousand items for sale

Get sponsored to earn gear and cash from big names like Callaway, Nike, and Ping

Brand-new play types including Battle Golf, Long Drive Shootout, Best Ball, Stableford, and Alternate Shot

Gameplay EA has used the last year of development time wisely. Since Tiger 2003 had set the foundation for basic gameplay firmly in place, the team took the opportunity to flesh out this year's features. There are, of course, new courses; Bethpage Black, one of the world's most difficult locales, is now on the slate. There are also fantasy EA courses like The Predator, which have made it into the PC version. You have access to all 18 courses via Simulation mode, so you won't need to unlock anything if you don't want to.

The Tiger Challenge, which was the core single-player experience for 2003 on consoles, has been revamped and is now in the PC version. Called the Would Tour mode, you conquer different areas of the globe one-by-one. World Tour is a really excellent mode for casual golfing. You're not locked into 12 months of serious gameplay where a few losses will damage your whole career. While it doesn't seem like a good fit with the simulation style of the PC, it actually works nicely as an arcade style mode that you can jump in and out of.

However, like most of the experience in the PC version, it's still catered towards the hardcore userbase and features an almost RPG-like setup. Before you even compete in a major tournament on a course, you must first pass through a regiment of scenarios and earn enough skill points. So, in a sense, you have to level-up your experience on the links before you take on bigger challenges. The whole Career mode is designed around this concept. Golf Lessons are required before you even start, in fact, and to learn new skills you have to earn cash so you can buy new instruction. It is extremely unique in its setup, but developer Headgate has been catering specifically to the PC crowd for years. It's a niche style of gameplay meant to challenge hardcore golfers and, trust us, you definitely will be. Tiger 2004 is very difficult on the PC if you're adhering to the TrueSwing method.